The 2021/22 Premier League has kicked off, and certain teams have already set down a marker as early title favourites. However, with plenty of the season left to play, plenty more shifts and changes are expected at the top of the table.
We will look at some of the biggest favourites at these early stages of the Premier League season to see who are the Football Betting Odds favourites to seal the title in what can only be a heavily-contested season ahead.
Man City
Current title holders Manchester City are the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the Premier League title for the fourth time in five seasons.
The Citizens got off to a nightmare start, losing 1-0 to Leicester in the Community Shield and 1-0 away at Tottenham in their opening Premier League match. But, an emphatic 5-0 win against Norwich last time out showcased the best of Guardiola’s City. They were dangerous throughout and created chance after chance.
The Citizens have plenty of strength in depth this season, which will only help their title defence and their quest for European success. Adding Jack Grealish to a supremely talented midfield consisting of Kevin De Bruyne, Fernan Torres, Riya Mahrez, Ilkay Gündoğan, and Phil Foden was good business for City. There will be plenty of competition in this area, and Guardiola should get the best from his creative players.
Despite impressive squad depth, the lack of competition for Gabriel Jesus upfront could become an issue. Jesus is City’s only recognised striker currently. To remain consistent and to compete in a long Premier League season, the Citizens may look to sign another striker to strengthen their bid for a fourth title in three seasons. Spurs talisman has been linked with a move to the Etihad, and if City get their man, their odds on retaining the Premier League title may shorten even further.
Liverpool
Liverpool have started the new season where they left off the last, winning games comfortably. The Reds have already recorded consecutive wins to nil against Norwich and Burnley, with Diogo Jota, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino scoring already.
After a patchy run midway through the 2020/21 season, Liverpool have bounced back and become the team to beat recently. They are on a 12-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, and they have won their last seven in a row.
Defensive stability was an issue for Jurgen Klopp last season. Losing Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip early in the season dented their form hugely. In midfield, they were also without captain Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita for long spells.
Luckily for Klopp, these key players have returned for the 2021/22 season, and they look in good form early on. Liverpool’s title challenge will depend on the fitness of their key players and keeping a core first team together throughout the season.
Man United
Man United got off to a dream start in their Premier League opener, beating Leeds 5-1 at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes looked in top form, scoring a hat-trick, and Paul Pogba pulled the strings and made a Premier League record four assists in the game.
However, it was the same story as last season when United visited Southampton in the following game. Failure to take chances and win away was a familiar site that cost United a potential title challenge last season as City ran away with an eventual 12-point lead. The Red Devils drew 11 games last season, the third-most in the entire league.
United will be expecting success this season after bringing in Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane over the summer. The two marquee signings add more depth to Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s squad, particularly in an already impressive backline including Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan Bissaka. But dropping points could be United’s downfall once more, and some bookmakers already rank the Red Devils as fourth favourites to lift their first Premier League since 2013.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s consistency under Thomas Tuchel makes puts them among the 2021/22 Premier League title favourites. Since the German coach took over from Frank Lampard in late January, the Blues have lost just three of their 21 Premier League matches.
Towards the end of the 2020/21 season, Chelsea also recorded impressive victories against potential title rivals Man City (three times), Liverpool and drew with Man United. Tuchel’s tactical knowledge could be the difference between a top-four finish and a potential title battle.
Adding Romelu Lukaku to the squad was also essential and could prove to be the difference for Chelsea. The Belgian striker scored on his debut in a 2-0 away win against Arsenal. The Blues’ top-scorer in the Premier League last season was Jorginho, who netted seven.
Brining in Lukaku will add goals to Chelsea’s rigid defence and provide a strong balance in the team. Although they are not the out and out favourites, Chelsea will be pushing their rivals all the way this season.